Federal prosecutors have filed serious charges against an Indian national following a violent incident aboard an international flight that resulted in injuries to two minors and forced an emergency landing at Boston Logan International Airport.
The Accused and Charges
Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli, a 28-year-old Indian citizen, has been charged in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts with one count of assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm while traveling on an aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. The charge carries significant penalties, including up to 10 years in federal prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a potential fine of up to $250,000.
Usiripalli was taken into custody on October 25, 2025, immediately after the aircraft’s emergency landing. He is scheduled to appear before a federal judge in Boston at a date to be determined.
Details of the Incident
According to documents filed by federal prosecutors, the assault occurred on Lufthansa flight 431, which departed Chicago O’Hare International Airport and was en route to Frankfurt, Germany. The incident unfolded in the cabin shortly after the completion of meal service.
Investigators report that a 17-year-old male passenger, identified in court documents as Minor A, was resting in his middle seat when he was suddenly awakened by Usiripalli standing over him. Without apparent provocation, Usiripalli allegedly used a metal fork to stab Minor A in the shoulder area near the left clavicle.
In a continuing act of violence, Usiripalli then allegedly lunged toward a second 17-year-old passenger, identified as Minor B, who was seated beside Minor A in the center row of the aircraft. Usiripalli struck Minor B in the back of the head with the same metal fork, causing a laceration that required immediate attention.
Flight Crew Response and Additional Disturbances
When flight attendants attempted to restrain Usiripalli and de-escalate the situation, his erratic behavior reportedly intensified. According to witnesses and flight crew statements documented in the charging papers, Usiripalli made a disturbing gesture by forming his fingers into the shape of a gun, placing it in his mouth, and simulating pulling a trigger.
The disturbance continued as Usiripalli allegedly turned toward a female passenger seated to his left and slapped her with his hand. He also reportedly attempted to strike a member of the flight crew who was trying to control the situation.
The captain made the decision to divert the aircraft to Boston Logan International Airport due to the severe nature of the disturbance and the potential ongoing threat to passenger safety. Upon landing, Usiripalli was immediately taken into custody by law enforcement officials.
Background of the Defendant
Federal authorities have confirmed that Usiripalli had previously entered the United States on a student visa. Most recently, he was enrolled in a master’s program in biblical studies at an unidentified educational institution. However, officials note that Usiripalli no longer maintains lawful immigration status in the United States.
Law Enforcement Response
The case was announced jointly by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Boston Division; and Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police.
The prosecution acknowledged valuable assistance provided by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Allegra Flamm of the Major Crimes Unit.
Legal Process Moving Forward
As with all criminal matters in the United States justice system, the charges against Usiripalli remain allegations at this stage. Under U.S. law, he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case will proceed through the federal criminal justice system in the District of Massachusetts, with future court appearances to be scheduled.
This expanded news report is based on a press release from the U.S. Department of Justice, dated October 27, 2025.
